HCST 100 The Human Context of Science and Technology
This course considers science and technology as the creations of human ingenuity. It asks such questions as:
 | how is science done? |
| what are the intentions behind human inventions? |
| what values do science and technology represent? |
| what are the ethical implications of advances in scientific and technical fields? |
The content of the course comes from case studies of important scientific discoveries and technological innovations. From the life sciences the course considers evolutionary and environmental topics. In the physical sciences the course draws from astronomy,chemistry and physics. In engineering, the course considers space technology, information systems, and other areas of work presently underway at UMBC.
HCST 100 introduces students to the many ways of studying and enjoying science and technology: lectures, films, reading, field trips, role-playing, and free-wheeling discussion.
The course is team-taught by Dr. Joseph N. Tatarewicz (History), Dr. G. Rickey Welch (Biological Sciences and History), and Mr. Eric Brown. They are joined by Guest Professors from many departments, including Drs. Sandra Herbert (History), Phillip G, Sokolove (Biology), Ted Foster (Engineering), Linda Lear (History), Jessica Pfeifer (Philosophy), Thomas N. Robinson, Jr. (Africana Studies and Psychology), Joel Liebman (Chemistry), Laszlo Takacs (Physics), and Ms. Patricia J. Lanoue (Interdisciplinary Studies), as well as others.
Catalog Description
HCST 100 The Human Context of Science and Technology
GER/GFR/GEP meets Arts & Humanities (AH) requirement. Writing Intensive (WI) requirement pending approval.
In this course students explore interactions among the humanities, the sciences, and technology, including study of the sciences and technology using humanistic approaches, and the study of the effects of the sciences and technology on art, philosophy, and society. Students will have the opportunity to consider the role of human values in the pursuit of the sciences and in the invention and employment of various technologies. Practical social and political issues relating to science and technology will also be addressed. This course is taught by Drs. Joseph N. Tatarewicz, G. Rickey Welch, and Mr. Eric Brown.
HCST 100 is now offered in the Fall and Spring Semesters, with a separate Honors Section
